Bertha Vurnakes Christofis, 93, of Daleville, VA, passed away on Thursday, December 16, 2010. She was a daughter born to Stavros & Eleni Vurnakes, she was a lifelong resident of Roanoke, VA, and a faithful, devoted member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church her entire life. She was predeceased by her parents; husband, George (Joe) Christofis; two sisters, Sophia Haloulas, of Greenville, SC, and Stella Sarandos, of Baltimore, MD; brothers, Emanuel S. Vurnakes, of Greenville, SC, Peter S. Vurnakes, of Durham, NC, and George S. Vurnakes, of Baltimore, MD; and a grandson, Ronald Wayne Divers, Jr. Bertha will be missed by her children, daughters, Kathryn C. Mantz & husband, Russell, of Radford, VA, Elaine C. Gill & Steve Arthur, of Daleville, VA, and Maria V. Christofis, of Bedford, VA; her beloved son, Dimitri "Mitch" Christofis, of Roanoke, VA; and a sister, Alexandria Karavedas, of Baltimore, MD. Also two granddaughters, Stephanie and Juan Tito, of Roanoke, VA, and Laura Gill, of Daleville, VA; one grandson, Edward A. "Tony" Divers, of Charlotte, NC; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Bertha will be fondly remembered as a sweet, loving, kind lady, for her wonderful Greek style cooking and pastries, and her constant faith in her church. Early in her life, she worked in family restaurants and later from Miller & Rhodes Department Stores. Funeral Services will be held 11 a.m. on Monday, December 20, 2010, at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church with Father Dean Nastos officiating. The interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park. Donations in her memory may be sent to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 30 Huntington Blvd., Roanoke, VA 24012. The family will be receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 19, 2010, at Oakey's North Chapel with a Trisagion prayer service beginning at 7 p.m.

ROANOKE TIMES, Sat, Dec 18, 2010